Scene: a continuous action in a single locale
Scenes are the basis for storytelling. Every scene must
advance the plot in some way. They will raise expectations and pose
questions or delay answers. The answers to these questions will be
delivered through dialogue and descriptions…but remember, a scene can
also be silent (yet packed with emotion) By using concrete nouns, you
will be able to create just enough scene.
Dialogue is significant but cannot do all of the work.
It should sound real, but heightened. It is difficult to recreate “real
speech” because it slows the pace down.
Words like “um,” “like,” and “you know,” are choices
you must make for your characters. Not all characters should speak like
this.
Simultaneous Dialogue: a character interrupting
another character. It must sound real. Scene must help it (a
description such as “the words were flying furiously” might help)
Dialogue Tags: such as, “he said,” or “she
replied.” These are specific choices and you should use them sparingly.
Consider what you choose your characters to talk about.
What must be shown in dialogue and what can be glossed over in a
description? What do the conversations reveal? (Remember: nothing is
random!)
Diction creates different voices for your characters.
There should be distinct differences between characters voices.
Personality should be reflected through dialogue.
Remember the differences between direct speech (“How
was your day?”) and indirect speech (I asked him how his day was).
Dialogue should bring us closer to the character or
allow us to understand the character more
Remember Round vs. Flat characters? Dialogue should
help make round characters more real
